What action should both vessels take when meeting head-on?

What action should both vessels take when meeting head-on?

• A. One stops
• B. Neither vessel is a stand-on vessel; Both vessels turn to starboard
• C. Both speed up
• D. Both turn to port

Answer: (B)

When two vessels meet head-on, there’s a real risk of collision unless action is taken by both. In this situation there isn’t a stand-on vessel; both must alter course to avoid a crash by turning to starboard (to the right). Turning to starboard ensures you pass on each other’s port sides, giving a clear, predictable path for both boats. Stopping or speeding up doesn’t reliably prevent a collision, and turning to port would create conflicting paths and increase the danger.

When two vessels meet head-on, there’s a real risk of collision unless action is taken by both. In this situation there isn’t a stand-on vessel; both must alter course to avoid a crash by turning to starboard (to the right). Turning to starboard ensures you pass on each other’s port sides, giving a clear, predictable path for both boats. Stopping or speeding up doesn’t reliably prevent a collision, and turning to port would create conflicting paths and increase the danger.